General FAQ

How will PUSD schools reopen in 2020-2021?

As modifications are being made to the Safer at Home orders, PUSD is moving forward with plans for the new school year, which begins August 17, 2020 for students. Although we cannot determine what the public health conditions will be at that time, we are planning along two paths: the resumption of in-person instruction with protocols for physical distancing and safety, and the possibility of a resumption in distance learning with a continuum of learning alternatives for families. As plans develop, we are committed to making this a collaborative process. Our decisions will continue to be guided by the local health situation and made in conjunction with local public health authorities. We are committed to keeping our students, staff, and community healthy and safe.

We will be closely monitoring the Governor’s announcement this week for the May revision of the State’s budget. Details about the impact of COVID-19 on PUSD are in the message shared with you on May 8. Read the message here. We will continue to advocate for actions by the Governor that can mitigate the need for drastic reductions and will keep you informed about any developments.

How long will PUSD schools be dismissed?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PUSD schools dismissed on March 16, 2020. Remote learning will extend through May 28, 2020, the last day of school for students. We are planning for summer programs and next year based on guidelines and recommendations from the State and public health authorities.

Although PUSD school buildings and facilities are physically closed, PUSD teachers, administrators, and central office staff are working remotely and continuing with public health orders to stay safer at home.

Are all PUSD facilities physically closed?

Yes. PUSD teachers, administrators, and central office staff are working remotely to continue serving students and families. Only the most essential employees, as determined by the District, are physically on campus during designated times.

How do I access my student's remote learning?

What are the expectations for remote learning?

PUSD is supporting consistent practices for remote learning and is based on the following goals and principles:

Goals:

To maintain relationships within our learning community

To reinforce learning and minimize skill regression

To connect all students to the most essential learning

Guiding Principles

We are in this together. We prioritize the relationships and mental well-being of all members of our learning community. Much of this is as new to teachers as it is to families and students, so we encourage patience and flexibility as we navigate this unusual setting together.

Less is more. When covering new content, we have asked teachers to focus on only the most essential topics. Anticipate covering significantly less content than would normally be accomplished in an in-person setting. All students are facing this situation and schools will make future adjustments.

Students should be able to participate in learning. We will prioritize asynchronous lessons & assignments that can be accessed at times convenient to the family. If you have trouble accessing, please contact your child's teacher first.

Will student work be graded?

To ensure that students and staff are equitably supported for success and in accordance with the California Department of Education’s guidance that “no student should be harmed through grading during COVID-19 and extended distance learning,” PUSD has altered its grading policy, in collaboration with the United Teachers of Pasadena (UTP). March 13, 2020 was the last day that students were physically in classrooms. Beginning on March 16, 2020 and ending on May 28, 2020.

What about PUSD Senior Defense requirements?

To graduate, PUSD 12th graders must present a Senior Defense, which consists of reflection papers, research and creativity artifacts, and a presentation.

In support of our seniors the PUSD graduation requirements for the Class of 2020 have been slightly modified.

The completion of 40 community service/work-based learning hours has been suspended for those seniors who had not submitted all 40 hours by March 16, 2020.

Seniors are still required to present a summary of their educational journey and plans for their future through the Graduate Defense. Teachers and defense coordinators are working with students to help ensure they successfully complete their Defense through a live Google Meet or through a prerecorded video. Accommodations will be honored as necessary including timeline extension for graded Reflection Papers, Research & Creativity Artifacts. Special circumstances will be handled on a case by case basis, with considerations similar to our revised grading policy that no harm will be caused to students.

What about graduation ceremonies?

May 1, 2020

Our high school seniors are living a year that none of us ever imagined for them. We know that our seniors and their families/caregivers are feeling the loss of these special times with friends, classmates, and teachers. We feel that loss with them.

We held out hope that we could hold traditional in-person graduation ceremonies as scheduled at the end of May. But based on the senior survey results and taking into account public health concerns, we have instead planned virtual pre-recorded live-streamed graduation ceremonies in June.

We are fully committed to celebrating our seniors with this online ceremony and will plan an in-person event when the Governor and public health authorities determine it is safe to do so.

For our virtual graduation, PUSD has contracted with School Shine to create an event that will be live-streamed June 24-26. High schools will arrange for the distribution of caps and gowns, photos, and other arrangements for graduations. Those details are being shared with seniors. We will provide you with details about the production of virtual graduations at a later date.

At this time our committee is planning celebrations for rising 5th and 8th graders. Although these will not be formal promotions, we will celebrate our students.

Updated May 21, 2020

The school year ends on May 28, and our schools are working on ways to celebrate our students while keeping the health and safety of our students, staff, and families as our top priority.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Officer’s Safer at Home Order prohibits all public and private gatherings. To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Order does not allow any exemptions for promotion and/or graduation gatherings of any type in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. This means all in-person promotion/graduation ceremonies, including the use of cars for drive-through parades, promotions/graduations, or celebrations (even if one student at a time)are considered public gatherings and are therefore prohibited.

Virtual ceremonies and celebrations are permitted and encouraged as a means of commemorating the end-of-the-year events for students and their families.

PUSD’s high school virtual graduation ceremonies will be broadcast on June 24-26, 2020. We are fully committed to celebrating our seniors with this online ceremony and will plan an in-person event when the Governor and public health authorities determine it is safe to do so.

We understand how disappointing it is for all our students to miss the normal end-of-year celebrations during this pandemic.

Food Service FAQ

Does PUSD provide meals for students?

Yes! PUSD provides free breakfast and lunch service for children 18 and younger at “Grab & Go” Food Centers weekdays from 9-11 a.m. See the list of locations. The City of Pasadena is providing lunch for students and their families on weekends.

Is there a cost?

PUSD is providing emergency food service through the federal School Lunch program. There is no cost to you.

I don’t have transportation. Is there a way to get it delivered?

Community-based organizations are providing a limited number of deliveries to qualified students and their families who cannot walk or drive to the Grab & Go Centers. To request service, contact the PUSD Family Hotline at 626.396.3680.

Will this operate during the summer months?

PUSD will provide weekday meal service through the end of the school year. PUSD generally offers a similar meal program during the summer.

How can I print from a Chromebook?

How do I log in to Chrome Browser?

How are teachers and students communicating?

PUSD students and teachers use Google Hangouts and PUSD student and teacher email to communicate.Due to student security concerns, Zoom is not an approved application for PUSD students. It is blocked for all PUSD students when they are logged into their PUSD accounts.

Social Emotional Well-Being FAQ

How should I talk to children about Coronavirus?

Children and teens react to anxiety and stress differently than adults. Some may react right away; others may show signs that they are having a difficult time much later. For more information, visit Supporting Students & Families

Who can I call if I need social emotional help for my child?

PUSD partners with mental health agencies who can provide support. If a PUSD student is interested in receiving mental health services at this time, please use this directory to find the agency that serves your school. Or call the PUSD Family Hotline at 626.396.3680